Electronic device cover with embedded radio frequency (RF) reader and method of using same

Abstract

A changeable cover for an electronic device and method of using same in a payment system is provided. The cover has a transponder responsive to interrogation by an electric field. The cover provides an electronic identification number and other information in response to the interrogation signal. Also provided is a system for making payments, comprising at least one mobile station (4) which has an associated cover (100) for providing local data transfer. The system also comprises at least one point of sale terminal or the like, which has a second transceiver for providing data transfer.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is related to Provisional Application No. 60 / 222,475 filed on Aug. 2, 2000. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 092,828 filed on Jun. 5, 1998; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 074,864 filed on May 8, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,806 granted on Jun. 20, 2000; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 08 / 597,845 filed on Feb. 7, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,266 granted on Mar. 23, 1999, all entitled METHOD FOR USING APPLICATIONS IN A MOBILE STATION, A MOBILE STATION AND A SYSTEM FOR EFFECTING PAYMENTS, issued to Heinonen et al., claiming priority date of Feb. 15, 1995 based on a Finnish application. Additionally, this invention is related to the inventions described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 800,591, filed on Feb. 18, 1997, entitled ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH HOUSING SUPPLEMENT, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ , filed on ______ , entitled CHANGEABLE COVERS WITH C...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] In order to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages and to raise the standard of technology in this field, a new method for using applications in a Personal Trusted Device (PTD) also referred to as mobile radio communication unit comprising mobile station and a changeable cover with intelligence has been invented, as well as a new mobile station with changeable cover as application module and a new system for effecting payments, collecting incentives and other equivalents. The changeable cover provides a means for local data transfer.

Problems solved by technology

However, an arrangement of this kind is not very practical, because a separate cable is needed between the computer and the mobile phone.

A disadvantage of smart cards of this kind is, e.g., the fact that several different cards may be needed for different kinds of payment, and so the user must carry a large number of cards.

A disadvantage of this method is the fact that the functions needed for performing different operations of the applications must be programmed to the central processing unit CPU in advance, whereby the development of new applications also requires changes in the programs of the central processing unit.

The use of hard copy coupons is time consuming and troublesome for the consumer.

Furthermore, use of transponders in the form of keyfobs on keyrings have a problem when stored near certain keys which transmit their own codes.

But, the keyfob transponder interferes with the coded signal and thus the automobile will not start because the security system can not read the code from the processor in the key.

Transponder 1 interferes with the reception of this coded signal.

Additionally, the transponder on a key ring is inconvenient when the consumer is at a drive-through window and must turn off the car in order to access the keyfob on the key ring.

However, the shopper must still go to checkout and present hard copy coupons which the consumer had to clip, sort, file, and redeem at checkout.

At checkout the coupons are also scanned individually, which leads to delays and lines.

However, the consumer must still open a wallet and fumble with cash or debit / credit cards.

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